The HSE has apologised to the parents of a baby boy who died in Our Lady of Lourdes in Drogheda after being deprived of oxygen during a planned induction.

In a statement, Danny Ryan’s mother, Brenda, spoke about how she repeatedly asked the hospital staff for help but felt she was dismissed and not listened to.

Following Baby Danny’s death in October 2017, new guidelines were recommended for cases where a mother develops gestational diabetes during pregnancy.

She said it took the hospital 12 hours to explain to her how unwell Danny was after went for an emergency caesarean section.

The family of Baby Danny Ryan outside court. Image: Frank Greaney/Newstalk

“We were left in limbo worrying and wondering,” she said.

“I cannot begin to explain how helpless we felt while listening to other new-born babies on the maternity ward while waiting nearly 12 hours to find out exactly how unwell Danny was.

“This delay denied me meeting my new baby until just before he was christened moments before he was stable enough to transfer to the care of the Neonatal ICU in the Rotunda in Dublin.”

She said her only advice to prospective parents is to “trust your gut at all times”.

“We know our own bodies, but unfortunately, like many parents before us, even though we were very vocal asking for help, we trusted the professionals,” she said.

“After all - they're supposed to be the experienced team, but professionals need to listen and hear patients at all times.”

Following baby Danny’s death in October 2017, new guidelines were recommended for cases where a mother develops gestational diabetes during pregnancy.

Outside court this afternoon, Brenda Ryan, said they’re still awaiting proof that these new measures have been implemented.

“We want to see evidence of change so that no more precious, perfect babies are lost in the healthcare setting, after parent’s plead for help,” she said.

“No parent should have to make the decision to turn off their baby’s life support.”

“No parents should have to read their baby son's post mortem report or attend an inquest to hear the devastating damage caused to him and the terrible distress he endured.”

Justice

She said it took the family nearly five years to get justice for their baby.

“The whole legal and review process to get justice for a poor helpless baby is heartbreakingly long and painful,” she said.

“No parents should have to be mentally assessed multiple times, attend so many reviews meetings and read heart-breaking reports.”

'Our hearts will remain broken'

She said the family is stronger people for having met Danny and will always love him.

“Our hearts will remain broken although our smiles remain for you Danny and your beautiful little brothers,” she said.

“Thank you for choosing us Danny Ryan, we will be forever and always in love with you.”